Opera North Youth Chorus (ages 14–19)

Term Time

The Opera North Youth Chorus (ONYC) gives young people aged 14–19 the skills and experience to become well-rounded performers.

As well as developing their singing voices and musicianship skills with dedicated vocal leaders in weekly sessions, members will work with professional directors and movement specialists to develop skills in drama and stagecraft.

The Youth Chorus will explore music from a range of genres, performing in exciting concerts locally and nationally throughout the year alongside professionals such as the Orchestra of Opera North and the Chorus of Opera North. Young people will also have the chance to take part in residential courses and tours. They will work with teams of experienced artists to stage full productions. Recent performances have included ‘Down in the Valley’ at the Aberdeen International Youth Festival, ‘Dr Ferret’s Bad Medicine Roadshow’ at the Buxton Fringe Festival, the Tête à Tête Festival in London and ‘Pirates Revisited’ at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Entry is by audition, but we are looking for potential and welcome singers of all levels of experience. Membership fees do apply to this project, but we are able to offer financial assistance to ensure that costs do not create a barrier to taking part.

Price

£60 per term for the first two terms (£120 per year). There will be extra costs involved for residential courses and tours.

Venue

Yorkshire Dance, Leeds

Auditions
Auditions are held once a year in June/July

Frequently Asked Questions

When do we meet?
From September to March: every Wednesday evening (term time only) from 6pm to 8.30pm at Yorkshire Dance.

What performance opportunities are there for members?
Members will perform at concerts and events throughout the year.

In recent years, the Youth Chorus has performed at Leeds Town Hall, Sage Gateshead, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the Harrogate International G&S Festival, the Buxton Fringe Festival, the Tête à Tête Festival in London and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival. They also had the amazing opportunity of singing with Barry Manilow at Leeds First Direct Arena.

How much does it cost?
Membership fee is £60 per term for the first two terms. The cost for the summer term varies according the project and includes residential activity, rehearsals and performances.

Please note
We do not want cost to be a barrier to any potential members, so we offer bursary places to families in challenging circumstance – these bursary places cover the membership fees and also additional expenses that may be associated with taking part. Please contact Opera North Education for more information and to find out if you are eligible, by emailing youthensembles@operanorth.co.uk.

How and when can I apply?
Auditions are held once a year in June/July. We welcome applications throughout the year. All you need to do is click on ‘Express and interest’ at the top of the page and fill in your details. You will then be added to our waiting list and we will be in touch with further details.